Mercedes have confirmed that Mick Schumacher will be taking on the role of reserve driver for 2023, following his departure from Haas.
2020 F2 Champion Schumacher, contested two seasons with Haas, but was moved aside in favour of Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 – the team preferring the 181 Grand Prix worth of experience of Schumacher’s compatriot to help them move further up the midfield.
Following the news of Schumacher’s exit from Haas, Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff was open about wanting to “look after” the German as he pointed to his family’s links to Mercedes.
With both of Mercedes reserve drivers, Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne having found berths at Alpha Tauri in a race seat and Aston Martin as a reserve for next year, it was the given that the team would be needing a new reserve driver.
It had been thought Daniel Ricciardo might take up the role, before it was confirmed in November that the Australian would return to the Red Bull team.
Meanwhile, Ferrari announced that they are ending their collaboration with Schumacher after four years, having joined the driver academy of the team his father won five of his seven world titles for, back in 2019.
Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14. We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula 1 under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis [Hamilton] or George [Russell], should that need arise.
Toto Wolff on signing Mick.
I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment. I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me. F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.
Mick on his new role.
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